West Ham plot move for Lille’s Bamba as ‘Plan B’ after suffering frustration in transfer pursuit of Man Utd’s Lingard

WEST HAM have identified Lille winger Jonathan Bamba as a potential alternative to Jesse Lingard as they look to bolster their squad before the end of the transfer window.

The Hammers have been pursuing Man Utd star Lingard for much of the summer following his sensational loan spell at the London Stadium last season.

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Bamba impressed for Ligue 1 champions Lille last season[/caption]

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Lingard looks set to stay at Man Utd despite his sensational spell with West Ham[/caption]

But with just seven days to go before the window shuts, it now looks increasingly likely that the England international will remain at Old Trafford.

Speaking about Lingard‘s situation last week, Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I think Jesse’s first priority is to get into our team. Whenever your employer is Man Utd, that’s your first priority, it always is.

“I’ve got to leave players out of the starting eleven and squad. But they all have to remember they’re going to play a part if we’re going to be successful.

“Jesse’s back to fitness, played really well in behind closed doors games and has come back in good shape. He’s got a big part to play.”

As a result, The Express are now reporting that David Moyes is eyeing up Lille man Bamba as a Plan B.

The 25-year-old featured in all 38 games of the French champions’ title-winning campaign last season.

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And he was a major contributor in the attacking third, scoring six times and assisting 11 more in Ligue 1.

Bamba would reportedly set West Ham back around £25million, but may prove crucial in Moyes’ squad as the Scot aims to balance domestic and European competition.

The ex-Saint-Etienne man is a versatile player who can pop up on either wing or as a No10 behind the striker.

If Bamba does join West Ham before the end of the transfer window next Tuesday, he would become Moyes’ third signing of the summer.

The Hammers, who currently sit top of the Premier League table, already acquired Watford centre-back Craig Dawson on a permanent deal before the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

And then last month they also secured Paris Saint-Germain keeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan.

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